By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
GOVERNOR of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of elder statesman and erstwhile General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria, (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori.
Kokori, a forenost labour leader, who hailed from Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, passed in the early hours of Thursday at exactly 80.
As a pro- democracy activist, he headlined and epitomised the national struggle for the revalidation of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election under the late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha.
Recall that 28 days ago, Kokori had cried out for help over his failing health, which attracted the immediate humanitarian response of Governor Oborevwori.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, on Thursday, Oborevwori commiserated with the family, the people of Ovu community and the Urhobo nation over the passing of the fiery labour leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described Kokori’s passing as a “monumental loss” not just to NUPENG, Deltans and Nigerians, but to the entire world, adding that he fought gallantly for the people.
According to him, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman and an illustrious Deltan and recalled his visit to him on his sick bed in Warri on November 9, 2023.
Governor Oborevwori, said: “I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, a Deltan of unparalleled patriotism.
“I am saddened that at a time like this when his patriotic zeal is needed in our dear nation, Nigeria, death came calling. I will forever cherish our last moments together when l visited him in the hospital. He was ebullient and was in very high spirits despite his ailment. He fought a good fight.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Urhobo nation, NUPENG, APC, Deltans and Ovu community in particular over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and labour icon.
“As a bastion of inspiration, labour icon and a man of great political depth and insight as well as a leader of leaders, he contributed immensely to the development of our state and country throughout his lifetime.
“As a government, we were committed to ensuring the now late elder statesman got back to his feet but, unfortunately, against the grain of our expectation, he couldn’t make it back from the hospital.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, whose contributions to the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democracy remain an inspiration to many.
“As the nation mourns him, I enjoin Kokori’s family, friends and associates to honour his memory by continually upholding the values and principles which he lived for and never stopped fighting for till his death”.
“My government will be fully active in giving this patriot a befitting funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in peace. ”
On his part, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the March 18th election in Delta State, Chief Kenneth Gbagi has also expressed sadness over the the passing of Chief Kokori.
He said the octogenarian died at a time Nigeria, Delta and the Urhobo nation needed him most particularly in a time when “we are supposed to mark his birth anniversary”, Gbagi, lamented.
Chief Kokori and other individuals played key roles in the quest to re-validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, he added.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Orusi Kenneth, on Thursday December 7th 2023, to his family and Deltans particularly the Urhobo nation, Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education, described him as an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.
The SDP stalwart further stated that as a leader, Chief Kokori, was well-respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought into the state and the country as NUPENG’s Scribe.
“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in and led a section of the oil sector at a very difficult time in the history of the country.
“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the oil sector in the development drive of the nation.
“He will be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all as well as his significant contributions to the growth of the economy of the nation.
“On behalf of my family and the SDP, I sincerely share in your moment of grief and pray God to grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable lose.
It will be recall that Chief Kokori made a distress call from his hospital bed over his health status on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
He lamented that he had been neglected and abandoned to die in spite of his huge contributions to the democratic growth of the country.
Meanwhile, the remains of the labour icon who passed at Mount Horeb Clinic in Warri at the wee hours of Thursday have been deposited in a morgue at Okpara Inland near his Ovu country home in the state.
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